Title-chasing Jobstown featherweight Patrick Hyland had a successful return to the ring last night. Boxing for the first time since the untimely death of his father and trainer, Patrick Snr, ‘Pajo’ showed great strength, both physically and mentally, to defeat David Martínez at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium near Boston.

In what was sure to be an emotionally draining fight, the Lou DiBella-promoted boxer clinically broke Martínez down, ending the bout in the eight and final round.

With the win, Hyland improves his record to 31(15)-1(0). Martínez, who was beaten by Bernard Dunne back in 2006, drops to 18(3)-7(5).

‘The Punisher’ will be reinvigorated by this comeback victory and will now be immediately be planning big fights, with Matchroom prospect Josh Warrington firmly in his sights.